Calver quits as Lovefilm CEO

Jim Buckle upped to managing director

LONDON — Simon Calver has quit as CEO of European video streaming and DVD rental company Lovefilm, which competes with Netflix in Blighty.

Calver, who has been tapped by U.K. retail chain Mothercare, joined Lovefilm in 2005. He oversaw its acquisition by Amazon a year ago.

Jim Buckle, chief operating officer at Lovefilm, will become managing director, a newly created role, following Calver’s exit.

Calver told staff, “Growing this company has been a fantastic experience and I have had the pleasure of working with a truly talented team, real innovators who introduced a brand new way for millions of movie lovers to enjoy films.”